title: [Effect of D-penicillamine on serum immunoglobulins in rheumatoid arthritis].
abstract: Immunoglobulins (IgG, IgA, IgM) have been measured by radial immunodiffusion method in 43 patients affected with rheumatoid arthritis and treated with d-penicillamine (Pen). Erythrocyte sedimentation rate (ESR), serum alpha 2 and gamma globulins have alos been determined. Serum samples were collected before therapy and after 3 months (43 cases), 6 months (30 cases), 9 months (20 cases), and 12 months (15 cases, respectively). Pen was administered starting from 150 mg/day up to 600-750 mg/day. IgG did not show any significant change, whereas IgA significantly decreased only at 6 month and IgM at every follow-up. During therapy, a decrease in ESR was observed in all determinations, while alpha 2 and gamma globulins showed a reduction at 9 and 12 month follow-up. In rheumatoid arthritis Pen seems to reduce IgM and partially IgA, along with some inflammatory indices. Thus, an inhibitory effect of Pen on immunological reactions is suggested, although a direct breakdown activity on immunoglobulins cannot be excluded.
mesh_terms: D000328:Adult; D000368:Aged; D001172:Arthritis, Rheumatoid / Q000188:drug therapy / Q000276:immunology*; D005260:Female; D006801:Humans; D005779:Immunodiffusion; D007070:Immunoglobulin A / Q000378:metabolism; D007074:Immunoglobulin G / Q000378:metabolism; D007075:Immunoglobulin M / Q000378:metabolism; D007136:Immunoglobulins / Q000378:metabolism*; D008297:Male; D008875:Middle Aged; D010396:Penicillamine / Q000627:therapeutic use*
chemical_list: D007070:Immunoglobulin A; D007074:Immunoglobulin G; D007075:Immunoglobulin M; D007136:Immunoglobulins; D010396:Penicillamine
vernacular_title: Effetto della D-penicillamina sulle immunoglobuline sieriche nell'artrite reumatoide.